2.19.13 Training Again

I have been shut down since February 10.  The pain around my hip and back was very uncomfortable last weekend.  I went to see a doctor and he suggested a specialist but he couldn't quite tell what was going on.  Doctors always suggest rest but I don't have time to be shut down long term unless this is something serious.  At about Wednesday, I felt pretty good.  We left for Minnesota to see my daughter and I decided to not do anything through the weekend.  St. Paul was cold and reminded me that even though I think it's cold in Dallas, it's really not.  No way I would run outside there but I did see a few hearty soles running.  Getting to see my daughter compete at the University of Minnesota was alot of fun.  Pretty big crowd.

In order from left to right is my daughters roommate Briana, my daughter Meghan, me, one of her friends on the team Tasha and my wife Patty.  She fortunately gets her good looks from her mother.  She even got to sign a few autographs.  Kind of cool.

Great trip and I was able to rest.  On Sunday I was pretty wiped out so I didn't do anything.  On Monday morning I slept in with the intention of swimming on Monday night.  I did 2400 yards in about 55 minutes last night.  My back was a little sore after the swim but not bad.  I set my alarm clock for 5:30 this morning.  Once I got up and moving and I got out to the track at about 6:30.  I did the usual warm up and cool down miles at the beginning and end.  I book ended a set of 4x800 between 3:15 and 3:25 with mile runs at 8:00.  I didn't know how the layoff would affect my running.  I'm not going to lie, it was tough today.  It was cold and my body just does not react well in colder temps.  It takes me awhile to get warmed up.  My warm up mile was 9:23 which is about right for warming up.  My first 8 minute mile was 7:51.  I was pretty fresh and the first 400 was too fast.  I slowed down a little and was pretty consistent through the last 800.  My set of 800s were pretty tough.  My first was a 3:38 but my pacing was comfortable.  The second was 3:36 and I had to push a little harder.  Mentally it was downhill from here so that helps.  My third was 3:34 and I felt the best on this interval.  I was a little tapped for the last one and really had to push hard to get 3:37.  My last 8 minute mile was 7:56.  I'm still amazed at how effortless an 8 minute mile can be after pushing through intervals at 7 minute pace.  Despite the time away for injury, I was able to finish the workout Jeff sent.  I felt a little soreness in my hip and groin area but it didn't last long and I feel pretty good today.  I need to make sure the week goes well the rest of the way.

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/275250746